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The ongoing crisis in Manipur continues to escalate, prompting Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge to directly appeal to President Draupadi Murmu for immediate intervention. In a letter addressed to the President, Kharge paints a grim picture of the situation, highlighting the devastating human cost of the ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. He asserts that the Union government and the Manipur state government have demonstrably failed to restore peace and normalcy over the past 18 months, leaving the people of Manipur feeling abandoned and unprotected. The sheer scale of the tragedy is emphasized: over 300 lives lost, including women and children, and nearly 100,000 people displaced, forced to live in relief camps, enduring immense suffering and uncertainty.
Kharge's letter explicitly criticizes the lack of response from the central government, particularly the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Manipur since May 2023. This absence, despite repeated pleas from the people of Manipur, is highlighted as a stark failure of leadership and a demonstration of indifference to the plight of the affected population. In stark contrast, Kharge points out his own visits to Manipur, as well as those of the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, illustrating a commitment to understanding and addressing the crisis firsthand. The contrast between the proactive engagement of the opposition and the perceived inaction of the ruling party serves to reinforce the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate presidential intervention.
The letter emphasizes the complete erosion of trust in both the Union and state governments. The people of Manipur, according to Kharge, feel betrayed and abandoned, seeing no hope of relief or protection from those responsible for their safety and well-being. The continued violence, the displacement, and the lack of governmental response have created a climate of fear and insecurity. This sense of helplessness is poignantly described, emphasizing the suffering endured by the people of Manipur for over 540 days. The letter stresses that the President, as the custodian of the Constitution, has a constitutional duty to intervene and ensure the protection of citizens' lives and property. Kharge expresses confidence that the President's intervention will help restore peace and security to Manipur, allowing its citizens to return to their homes and live with dignity and security.
The situation in Manipur is further complicated by the ongoing internet suspension across multiple districts, extended until November 20th. This suspension, coupled with the escalating violence, highlights the deep-seated instability and the urgent need for a comprehensive solution. The Manipur Assembly's recent resolution, demanding a 'mass operation' against Kuki militants and a review of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), underscores the complex political and security challenges confronting the region. The Congress party's call for the resignation of Home Minister Amit Shah underscores the depth of the political divisions and the criticism leveled against the government's handling of the crisis. The prolonged conflict, the immense human suffering, and the political stalemate all point to the need for a decisive and immediate response to prevent further violence and restore peace and stability in Manipur.